Overview

• He died from cancer at a Munich clinic on July 8, 2025, according to theater owner Manfred Schauer.
• Praetorius began his role as the Henker at the Schichtl-Theater in 1985 and paused performances in 2024 due to declining health after delivering over 15,000 mock executions.
• The Schichtl-Theater, founded more than 150 years ago, stages about 20 daily guillotine shows during Oktoberfest that involve audience volunteers.
• Schauer recalled that it was impossible not to like Praetorius despite his grim onstage persona and praised their four-decade collaboration.
• Munich residents and Oktoberfest attendees have launched tributes honoring Praetorius as a cultural mainstay whose presence defined the festival.